So for those who keep up with my blog, you may remember the day back in October when my car broke down in Charlotte. If not you can read here. Any way, I stopped in there on my way back to Thomasville for the camp out a couple weeks ago and saw the same guy who was kind enough to help me and allow me to leave my car there over night. Again, on my way back to Gardner-Webb last night there was a LOT of traffic, what is normally a 2 hour drive to GWU, took 3 hours. I was also getting very tired so I decided to stop for what I thought would be a brief moment to pick up a drink at the same gas station I had broken down at earlier.
When I pulled in, I immediately noticed the man who had helped me out. He was outside picking up the trash that people had left outside. I walked in grabbed a drink and a snack and went to pay. He walked in while I was paying and to my surprise, he recognized me from that night. We got to talking about the holidays and how he celebrates holidays. He went to his mom's house to eat with his mom and brothers and sisters. Nothing out of the ordinary. We joked around about things that had been going on. He has a great sense of humor. We talked about plans for the future. He wants to join the army. We talked about religion. He is Hindu. We talked about the languages. He speaks Urdu (pronounced Urru do roll the r's like spanish). We talked about our homes. His is 7000 miles away in Pakistan.
This man had nothing against me. He did not look at me differently. He did not think differently of me because of my religion. I am amazed by this man. He holds no blanket judgments. He simply wanted to talk. He wanted to talk about life. Just like I did.
After talking for about 30 minutes, I realized that I must be getting back to school and Ali wished me safe travels back to school. Since the traffic was horrendous, I had a lot of time to think about this. I was the one who had the blanket judgments. I was the one that thought he was automatically a bad person. I was the one who was completely wrong in the whole thing. He is a normal guy who has an awesome story. I have been blown away today by the lack of judgment cast on me while I was talking to him, and the incredible amount of judgment cast by myself during the conversation. Yet every one of those judgments was broken to pieces after talking to him. People are people no matter what color, background, or religion. That is probably one of the neatest things I have realized lately. People are People.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
I need a life.
I really think I need a life. For the most part I sit around doing school work, with occasional 3 hour breaks. While I am in class, most of the time I try to pay attention but it doesnt work and i end up folding paper for fun. So you saw the products of my precal class in my last post. Well, I am moving up in the Origami world. Check these out.
This is my butterfly!
And this would be my Dragon. This took FOREVER!!
This is my butterfly!
And this would be my Dragon. This took FOREVER!!Tuesday, November 11, 2008
This is how I get A's in math!
So as a lot of you know, I am not a fan of precal - or any math for that matter, unless it involves sports. Well I have finally started doing good in math, but that, by no stretch of the imagination, means I like it. So I got bored in class today and had decided to have a little fun. Here is a picture of my pet swan.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
“A person will sometimes devote all his life to the development of one part of his body - the wishbone.”
Racism. Antisemitism. Genocide. Discrimination - its all around us. From one generation to the next we pass it down; hatred toward a group of people. For the majority of the time in America it has been the African American population, but it has also been the Italians, Chinese, Hispanic, you name the nationality, and there is a group out there that has or does hate them. These people are tortured, burned, and murdered in the most violent of ways by a "supreme" nationality or group.
I would say I do not fully understand the concept of racism or any of this hatred toward a certain nationality, but I would be lying.
I have been raised in a loving, caring home that supports my decisions and has taught me to love people to the best of my ability. But there is something overly present, something just as deadly as racism, antisemitism, discrimination. Something that we all do. It is, in my opinion, the root of the hatred. Judgment.
Wayne Dyer, a motivational speaker, once said that judgments prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances. Our judgments are based solely on what we see from someone, and most often, someone we do not know. This is concept of judgment by appearance is one we see iterated in the parable of the good Samaritan.
In the passage of the good Samaritan, an EXPERT who does not know everything (Luke 10:25), is the one who inspired this parable. Why is that significant? You are in no position to judge unless you know everything (Jessica Beaver - Passing Judgment Lesson). Psalm 143:2 says,
The verse goes on to say "for no one is living righteous before you." It sets the stage for how life should be. It tells us plain and simple, we are equal.
Now as Jesus goes on to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan, He mentions three groups of people. He mentions a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan. Lets take a deeper look at this.
The priest. Priests were very religious people. They were experts in the law, and in this case, missing one thing (action James 2:14). He passed right by and actually went to the other side of the road.
The Levite. Now to understand why Jesus chose a Levite we have to go back to the Old Testament. When the Twelve tribes were assigned land, the Levites were the only ones who were given cities instead of land. Which gave them a head start and easily an arrogant auora to themselves. The Levites also had particular religious and political responsibilities. So they too were experts in areas, but also lacking one thing (Development). He passed by as well.
Finally the Samaritan. The Samaritans were hated by the Jews. The Samaritans were a mixed "race". Highly frowned upon. He has no expertise in anything, he is the lowest of the low in that society, yet He is the one who does not judge this beaten man. He helps out and gives graciously, mastering the two things the priest and the levite were missing.
If you look closely at the Priest, he supposedly knew all of the laws. He missed one. In Leviticus 19:18 it reminds us of the greatest commandment of all "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Which is the answer to the question presented by the original expert Luke 10:27) He missed it. And because he missed it he missed his action.
One of the most quoted verses in James, 2:14, says "Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it with your actions? That kind of faith doesn't save anyone." Clearly the priest missed the mark and did not come through with action. However, the Samaritan did take action, his faith was not based on just the principles.
Now more closely at the Levite and his history. The Levites were given cities, not land. Cities have no room to grow and develop, they are established. The tribes that were given land had room to grow and develop. The Samaritan, on the other hand, developed the sick man back to health.
So, if you have made it this far you are probably ready for a conclusion. Here it is.
In order to stop the racism, discrimination, and whatever other injustice is going on, we must first and foremost love our neighbors as ourselves. But secondly, when we see something that makes us mad, take action, and through that action develop the person or group back to health.
I would say I do not fully understand the concept of racism or any of this hatred toward a certain nationality, but I would be lying.
I have been raised in a loving, caring home that supports my decisions and has taught me to love people to the best of my ability. But there is something overly present, something just as deadly as racism, antisemitism, discrimination. Something that we all do. It is, in my opinion, the root of the hatred. Judgment.
Wayne Dyer, a motivational speaker, once said that judgments prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances. Our judgments are based solely on what we see from someone, and most often, someone we do not know. This is concept of judgment by appearance is one we see iterated in the parable of the good Samaritan.
In the passage of the good Samaritan, an EXPERT who does not know everything (Luke 10:25), is the one who inspired this parable. Why is that significant? You are in no position to judge unless you know everything (Jessica Beaver - Passing Judgment Lesson). Psalm 143:2 says,
Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one is living righteous before you.This verse sets up the hierarchy that is so common in today's society. "Do not bring your servant into judgment" tells us much more than just not to judge others, but instead to eradicate the throne of earthly selfishness that devours every person.
The verse goes on to say "for no one is living righteous before you." It sets the stage for how life should be. It tells us plain and simple, we are equal.
Now as Jesus goes on to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan, He mentions three groups of people. He mentions a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan. Lets take a deeper look at this.
The priest. Priests were very religious people. They were experts in the law, and in this case, missing one thing (action James 2:14). He passed right by and actually went to the other side of the road.
The Levite. Now to understand why Jesus chose a Levite we have to go back to the Old Testament. When the Twelve tribes were assigned land, the Levites were the only ones who were given cities instead of land. Which gave them a head start and easily an arrogant auora to themselves. The Levites also had particular religious and political responsibilities. So they too were experts in areas, but also lacking one thing (Development). He passed by as well.
Finally the Samaritan. The Samaritans were hated by the Jews. The Samaritans were a mixed "race". Highly frowned upon. He has no expertise in anything, he is the lowest of the low in that society, yet He is the one who does not judge this beaten man. He helps out and gives graciously, mastering the two things the priest and the levite were missing.
If you look closely at the Priest, he supposedly knew all of the laws. He missed one. In Leviticus 19:18 it reminds us of the greatest commandment of all "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Which is the answer to the question presented by the original expert Luke 10:27) He missed it. And because he missed it he missed his action.
One of the most quoted verses in James, 2:14, says "Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it with your actions? That kind of faith doesn't save anyone." Clearly the priest missed the mark and did not come through with action. However, the Samaritan did take action, his faith was not based on just the principles.
Now more closely at the Levite and his history. The Levites were given cities, not land. Cities have no room to grow and develop, they are established. The tribes that were given land had room to grow and develop. The Samaritan, on the other hand, developed the sick man back to health.
So, if you have made it this far you are probably ready for a conclusion. Here it is.
In order to stop the racism, discrimination, and whatever other injustice is going on, we must first and foremost love our neighbors as ourselves. But secondly, when we see something that makes us mad, take action, and through that action develop the person or group back to health.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Undeservedly Blessed
Well, after a very peaceful, enjoyable, fun weekend back in Thomasville, I did a lot of thinking while I was there. I got to spend time with the people that have made the most influence in my life and I just want to point these people out. I want to say just how much they mean to me, and how thankful I am for them.
Dad: As I was sitting on Matt Rollins porch talking with some of the guys about father figures and how a lot of them failed to instill important virtues in them, I sat there thinking, "my Dad has done all of that." Dad, there has not been a time that you have given me the wrong advice. EVERYTIME I listen to what you say, things work out. Dad you have taught me how I am supposed to treat women; you have asked all of the hard questions; you ALWAYS challenge me to be better; you have done everything I could possibly ask for from a father. You get up at 1:30 every morning, do a paper route, and then go to another full time job just to give us what we need. When I come home, you make time to catch up with me. I have no idea how you do and handle all you do, and I cannot thank you enough for it. Dad, you are my hero and I can only hope to be the incredible christian example to my children that you have been for me.
Mom: You ALWAYS pick on me. You always find something to joke about, but through it all, I know that if I have a need you will find a way to make it work. I know that when I come home, you will be there if I need to talk. All the times you make dinner and dont get thanked, or all the work you do around the house, trying at all cost to keep it clean, despite having 2 teenagers living there at all times. You have the most difficult job of all, and do not get thanked for it. I love you Mom and thank you for all that you do, it IS appreciated more than you know.
Noelle: you are CURVY... HAHAHAHA but seriously little sis, I cannot tell you how excited I get when I see a text message from you, or an aim thingy. You ALWAYS know how to brighten my day and you are such an AWESOME little sister. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to seeing you when I get home! I love you sis and know that I am a phone call away if you ever need me.
Tim: Bro, you are crazy, but I love you anyway. Despite our differences, we somehow manage to get along, for the most part, and I always enjoy getting out and playing frisbee, football, or whatever with you. I think our best conversations have come while being dumb and goofing off. Bro I love you and as I said for Noelle, you are an AWESOME little brother. I hope you know that I love you like crazy and as for Noelle, I am a phone call away if you ever need to talk.
Grace: I dont really even know where to start. You have been there for me since I moved to Thomasville, literally a life saver. From all of the disc golf times, to coffee shop times, to dramatic camp times, to serious talks in Matt's office, I have more memories that involve you than any other person outside my family. I am completely comfortable around you and there are not many people I am completely comfortable with. You are always there to screw my head back on straight, which happens quite often. All I can do is thank you for the amazing friend you have been to me. (You have more in the mail).
Matt Bryant: Nashville 2005, that is all I have to say. Since then, you have been one of my closest friends, and one of the few that holds me accountable. Thanks bro.
Matt Rollins: For 3 years I was privelaged enough to have you as a leader, mentor, and friend. The late night chats while smoking a cigar are my personal favorites. I absolutely love those times I get to learn from you.
Chris Thompson: I have no idea where to begin. You challenge me to be the absolute best I can be. You give me resources to find the information I need. I remember the last conversation I had with you before you left, I had a Savinelli, sitting on your porch with pizza. We talked about everything imaginable from your new life to personal struggles to sports, to comedians. Bro, I cannot thank you enough for the mentor you have been to me.
There are so many more people that have had a major influence on my life and I cannot thank you all enough. I seriously do not know where I would be if it were not for the amazing friends and mentors that have invested their time and energy into me. I am so incredibly blessed to call these people my friends AND family.
Dad: As I was sitting on Matt Rollins porch talking with some of the guys about father figures and how a lot of them failed to instill important virtues in them, I sat there thinking, "my Dad has done all of that." Dad, there has not been a time that you have given me the wrong advice. EVERYTIME I listen to what you say, things work out. Dad you have taught me how I am supposed to treat women; you have asked all of the hard questions; you ALWAYS challenge me to be better; you have done everything I could possibly ask for from a father. You get up at 1:30 every morning, do a paper route, and then go to another full time job just to give us what we need. When I come home, you make time to catch up with me. I have no idea how you do and handle all you do, and I cannot thank you enough for it. Dad, you are my hero and I can only hope to be the incredible christian example to my children that you have been for me.
Mom: You ALWAYS pick on me. You always find something to joke about, but through it all, I know that if I have a need you will find a way to make it work. I know that when I come home, you will be there if I need to talk. All the times you make dinner and dont get thanked, or all the work you do around the house, trying at all cost to keep it clean, despite having 2 teenagers living there at all times. You have the most difficult job of all, and do not get thanked for it. I love you Mom and thank you for all that you do, it IS appreciated more than you know.
Noelle: you are CURVY... HAHAHAHA but seriously little sis, I cannot tell you how excited I get when I see a text message from you, or an aim thingy. You ALWAYS know how to brighten my day and you are such an AWESOME little sister. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to seeing you when I get home! I love you sis and know that I am a phone call away if you ever need me.
Tim: Bro, you are crazy, but I love you anyway. Despite our differences, we somehow manage to get along, for the most part, and I always enjoy getting out and playing frisbee, football, or whatever with you. I think our best conversations have come while being dumb and goofing off. Bro I love you and as I said for Noelle, you are an AWESOME little brother. I hope you know that I love you like crazy and as for Noelle, I am a phone call away if you ever need to talk.
Grace: I dont really even know where to start. You have been there for me since I moved to Thomasville, literally a life saver. From all of the disc golf times, to coffee shop times, to dramatic camp times, to serious talks in Matt's office, I have more memories that involve you than any other person outside my family. I am completely comfortable around you and there are not many people I am completely comfortable with. You are always there to screw my head back on straight, which happens quite often. All I can do is thank you for the amazing friend you have been to me. (You have more in the mail).
Matt Bryant: Nashville 2005, that is all I have to say. Since then, you have been one of my closest friends, and one of the few that holds me accountable. Thanks bro.
Matt Rollins: For 3 years I was privelaged enough to have you as a leader, mentor, and friend. The late night chats while smoking a cigar are my personal favorites. I absolutely love those times I get to learn from you.
Chris Thompson: I have no idea where to begin. You challenge me to be the absolute best I can be. You give me resources to find the information I need. I remember the last conversation I had with you before you left, I had a Savinelli, sitting on your porch with pizza. We talked about everything imaginable from your new life to personal struggles to sports, to comedians. Bro, I cannot thank you enough for the mentor you have been to me.
There are so many more people that have had a major influence on my life and I cannot thank you all enough. I seriously do not know where I would be if it were not for the amazing friends and mentors that have invested their time and energy into me. I am so incredibly blessed to call these people my friends AND family.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Snooze Button
So, as most of you know I like to sleep.. a lot. One thing my room mate and I have noticed is that our morning routine is the same. Our alarm clocks go off right about the same time every morning, and every morning we wake up and turn them off only to go back to sleep again. This happens at least twice every morning. And when we do finally get out of bed neither of us talk. We are more like zombies until around 11ish. In fact, since we have been in the same room, we have not spoken to each other before 11am ever.
Often times my first thoughts are major excuses as to why I do not need to get up, and comedian Bill Dwyer says it perfectly. I have often said I am going to get up take a shower, grab a pop tart and microwave it for 3 seconds, then go to class. That has yet to happen. Most days, my alarm goes off and my first excuse is I can get 3 extra seconds of sleep if I don't eat that poptart, so I go back to sleep. The alarm goes off again. This time, a bit more agitated I say to myself, I can get a shower later, that will get me 10 more minutes of sleep. And finally by the third or fourth time my alarm goes off, I give in. I sit up turn my alarm off get out of bed, and as soon as I get out of bed, I turn around and lay my head back down on my bed, trying to get a few more seconds of rest. About this time my naked room mate stumbles by and almost always runs into the couch. Finally, it's about 15 minutes before I have to be in class and so I get dressed and go to class.
Often times my first thoughts are major excuses as to why I do not need to get up, and comedian Bill Dwyer says it perfectly. I have often said I am going to get up take a shower, grab a pop tart and microwave it for 3 seconds, then go to class. That has yet to happen. Most days, my alarm goes off and my first excuse is I can get 3 extra seconds of sleep if I don't eat that poptart, so I go back to sleep. The alarm goes off again. This time, a bit more agitated I say to myself, I can get a shower later, that will get me 10 more minutes of sleep. And finally by the third or fourth time my alarm goes off, I give in. I sit up turn my alarm off get out of bed, and as soon as I get out of bed, I turn around and lay my head back down on my bed, trying to get a few more seconds of rest. About this time my naked room mate stumbles by and almost always runs into the couch. Finally, it's about 15 minutes before I have to be in class and so I get dressed and go to class.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Mohawk!
So as promised I have a couple pictures of my new hair cut... at least until the World Series is over. Then I will just have short hair.
LETS GO RAYS!!!!
So tonight the Tampa Bay Rays went went from possibly worst to first by beating the Boston Red Sox in game seven of the ALCS. David Price came on in the 8th and SHUT DOWN the heart of the Red Sox lineup.
For anyone who has followed the playoffs this season, you may have noticed that all the Tampa Bay Rays have mohawks. SO, while watching the game with a friend I was dared to shave my head and get a mohawk if the Rays won tonight. Well long story short. The Rays won and I have to get a mohawk tomorrow afternoon! So here is one last picture of me with my normal hair. I will put a number of pictures up from the the shaving tomorrow afternoon.
For anyone who has followed the playoffs this season, you may have noticed that all the Tampa Bay Rays have mohawks. SO, while watching the game with a friend I was dared to shave my head and get a mohawk if the Rays won tonight. Well long story short. The Rays won and I have to get a mohawk tomorrow afternoon! So here is one last picture of me with my normal hair. I will put a number of pictures up from the the shaving tomorrow afternoon.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Exit 39
Have I ever said God provides before? I think I may have mentioned it in my last post. Read this. Its long and may not make sense but read any way!
I had my car towed to the shop to get it fixed this morning. I got it fixed and everything was peachy. Except for the fact that it cost like $250+ but that's another story. But anyway, I drove it around town a bit to make sure everything was working properly and everything was dandy once again. I was in a happy state of mind.. kinda. I went and home and hung out at the house with the family before I came back to school. I also wanted to miss rush hour traffic in Charlotte so I stayed a while longer and ate with the family then headed back to school in the rain.
Everything was going great until I hit the Salisbury area. I stopped to get an energy boost and then put $15 that my parents gave me in my car. Well, this is where the fun begins. I pulled up to the gas station and ambulance is sitting in the middle of the road with its lights on so I figured there was an accident and said "Thank goodness I stayed home the extra twenty minutes or else that could have been me." I got the gas and drink and started down the road. I get like thirty seconds from the gas station when my stupid battery light comes on again... same problem I just spent $250+ on. And to make things better, I was in a traffic jam on the interstate going a grand total of 15 miles an hour! I think I was going to fast.
So I began thinking, "well I know my car is going to break down any time now how long is it going to last. It wont make it home, and it wont make it to school." So I make it down to exit 39 before my gauges flip out on me. So I pull off the road and start driving for the next off ramp... by this point my car has shut off and I am literally drifting. I hit those stupid bumps on the shoulder and my car WIGS out. ALL the lights come on. It seemed like a fire cracker went of in there it was SO bright, but I now had power and make it up the ramp where my car dies yet again. So now I am drifting to the gas station just down the road and I park it.
Needless to say, I was not a very nice person to be around at that point, at least until I got to the gas station. I called my Dad and told him the situation and we began talking through situations. But the neat thing is exit 39 is the exit my Dad has to come to when he has to get parts for work. Hmmm. Coincidence? I think not. After I got to the gas station, something hit me, and it wasn't what I had expected.
I was grateful. I still had a place to stay warm. I still had a place to stay dry. I still had a place to get food and drinks if I wanted them. James 1:2-4 popped into my mind, and so did Job. If we look at Job's situation, he had everything he needed and more, and so did I.
Job went through losing EVERYTHING he had, and remained faithful to the One he served. Now I have not even come close to losing everything, but I think the situation is similar. Job questioned God and so did I. I have asked why, and how more time than I can count in the last 3 weeks. The neat thing about the whole thing is that through Job's faith, the Lord blessed him ten fold. Quite frankly, I hope the Lord doesn't bless me ten fold. That is to many cars to have to replace alternators on ever 24 hours. But in the end, Job came out stronger, wiser, and more complete, than he was before all of the trials began.
James 1:2-4 says,
I had my car towed to the shop to get it fixed this morning. I got it fixed and everything was peachy. Except for the fact that it cost like $250+ but that's another story. But anyway, I drove it around town a bit to make sure everything was working properly and everything was dandy once again. I was in a happy state of mind.. kinda. I went and home and hung out at the house with the family before I came back to school. I also wanted to miss rush hour traffic in Charlotte so I stayed a while longer and ate with the family then headed back to school in the rain.
Everything was going great until I hit the Salisbury area. I stopped to get an energy boost and then put $15 that my parents gave me in my car. Well, this is where the fun begins. I pulled up to the gas station and ambulance is sitting in the middle of the road with its lights on so I figured there was an accident and said "Thank goodness I stayed home the extra twenty minutes or else that could have been me." I got the gas and drink and started down the road. I get like thirty seconds from the gas station when my stupid battery light comes on again... same problem I just spent $250+ on. And to make things better, I was in a traffic jam on the interstate going a grand total of 15 miles an hour! I think I was going to fast.
So I began thinking, "well I know my car is going to break down any time now how long is it going to last. It wont make it home, and it wont make it to school." So I make it down to exit 39 before my gauges flip out on me. So I pull off the road and start driving for the next off ramp... by this point my car has shut off and I am literally drifting. I hit those stupid bumps on the shoulder and my car WIGS out. ALL the lights come on. It seemed like a fire cracker went of in there it was SO bright, but I now had power and make it up the ramp where my car dies yet again. So now I am drifting to the gas station just down the road and I park it.
Needless to say, I was not a very nice person to be around at that point, at least until I got to the gas station. I called my Dad and told him the situation and we began talking through situations. But the neat thing is exit 39 is the exit my Dad has to come to when he has to get parts for work. Hmmm. Coincidence? I think not. After I got to the gas station, something hit me, and it wasn't what I had expected.
I was grateful. I still had a place to stay warm. I still had a place to stay dry. I still had a place to get food and drinks if I wanted them. James 1:2-4 popped into my mind, and so did Job. If we look at Job's situation, he had everything he needed and more, and so did I.
Job went through losing EVERYTHING he had, and remained faithful to the One he served. Now I have not even come close to losing everything, but I think the situation is similar. Job questioned God and so did I. I have asked why, and how more time than I can count in the last 3 weeks. The neat thing about the whole thing is that through Job's faith, the Lord blessed him ten fold. Quite frankly, I hope the Lord doesn't bless me ten fold. That is to many cars to have to replace alternators on ever 24 hours. But in the end, Job came out stronger, wiser, and more complete, than he was before all of the trials began.
James 1:2-4 says,
My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let that endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. (NRSV)Job displayed this verse in an exemplary way. And I have been humbled by the fact that I am not in control of the things that go down. They happen for a reason; that reason is to build us up. To make us mature and complete, lacking in nothing. And I do not think I have been happier to have car problems.
Have you had your Beavers?
So today has been GREAT overall. I went to class and then came home to pick up some stuff I forgot over spring break. While I was up here Some friends invited me to play some disc golf and hang out afterwards. On my way home, I noticed that my battery light had come on. I didnt really think anything of it because I was to excited to see my family again. That came back to bite me in the butt.
I left my friends house around 9 after a great day and I got about 5 minutes towards the house to say bye, when my car shut off. Nothing worked. My head lights went out. All the lights inside went out. ALl the gauges stopped working. I was able to drift into the Dominos parking lot and then I went off. I lost my cool. And that’s putting it nicely. I was extremely frustrated to miss a VERY busy day of class tomorrow. I called around and got a hold of my mom. She came and picked me up and I was not a very happy person to be around at this point.
I got home and deicded to take some time to be by myself and cool down. I went outside and smoked a cigar, and while I was out there I thought of a text message that was sent to me that reminded me of how much I have. I am truely blessed. I have a family that loves me. I have a ton of friends. I have people to talk to. I have three meals a day. I have a roof over my head. I have a car that can be be fixed.
As I was sitting out there staring at the clouds moving in front of the full moon, I was completely broken down because I have a surplus. I have a surplus of everything that is needed to live. God blesses us all with more than we need even when it seems that there is nothing positive about the situations we encounter.
God provides. That means something more to me now. He not only provides the resources to live, but also some of the wants we have. Why is it so easy to become complacent with the “stuff”, the wants we have? Why is it so hard to become complacent when we live day to day. Pay check to pay check. Meal to meal. When we have nothing but the necessities. Lack of faith. Simply put. We all encounter it. We doubt that God will come through for us, but yet, time after time after time He comes through.
Tonight I was at home. I had people that would come get me. I had a family to talk to. I still have food. I still have a place to sleep. God provides. Simply put.
I left my friends house around 9 after a great day and I got about 5 minutes towards the house to say bye, when my car shut off. Nothing worked. My head lights went out. All the lights inside went out. ALl the gauges stopped working. I was able to drift into the Dominos parking lot and then I went off. I lost my cool. And that’s putting it nicely. I was extremely frustrated to miss a VERY busy day of class tomorrow. I called around and got a hold of my mom. She came and picked me up and I was not a very happy person to be around at this point.
I got home and deicded to take some time to be by myself and cool down. I went outside and smoked a cigar, and while I was out there I thought of a text message that was sent to me that reminded me of how much I have. I am truely blessed. I have a family that loves me. I have a ton of friends. I have people to talk to. I have three meals a day. I have a roof over my head. I have a car that can be be fixed.
As I was sitting out there staring at the clouds moving in front of the full moon, I was completely broken down because I have a surplus. I have a surplus of everything that is needed to live. God blesses us all with more than we need even when it seems that there is nothing positive about the situations we encounter.
God provides. That means something more to me now. He not only provides the resources to live, but also some of the wants we have. Why is it so easy to become complacent with the “stuff”, the wants we have? Why is it so hard to become complacent when we live day to day. Pay check to pay check. Meal to meal. When we have nothing but the necessities. Lack of faith. Simply put. We all encounter it. We doubt that God will come through for us, but yet, time after time after time He comes through.
Tonight I was at home. I had people that would come get me. I had a family to talk to. I still have food. I still have a place to sleep. God provides. Simply put.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Too Many Questions.
So I think everyone has experienced the person in class who asks too many questions. This morning in Old Testament we were discussing Isaiah 9:6-7 and how it referred to the Christmas story and how it reminded us of Handel Messiah and the Hallelujah Chorus.
Naturally, there were people in the class who had not heard of Handel Messiah and the Hallelujah Chorus so they began asking questions. Understandable right? Aparently not. After we had already established that these three things went together, someone in our class said, “Wait, the Hallelujah Chorus and Handel Messiah are related to Christmas?” My teacher looked at this person somewhat dumbfounded that she still hadn’t grasped the concept and said plainly, “yes.”
It was then that my smart self thought to myself that I should ask that question once more… I failed to do so. However, I would like to inform EVERYONE that the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel Messiah, the Christmas story, and the oracle in Isaiah 9 ARE in fact related. Enjoy the youtube video of Handel Messiah’s Hallelujah Chorus.
Naturally, there were people in the class who had not heard of Handel Messiah and the Hallelujah Chorus so they began asking questions. Understandable right? Aparently not. After we had already established that these three things went together, someone in our class said, “Wait, the Hallelujah Chorus and Handel Messiah are related to Christmas?” My teacher looked at this person somewhat dumbfounded that she still hadn’t grasped the concept and said plainly, “yes.”
It was then that my smart self thought to myself that I should ask that question once more… I failed to do so. However, I would like to inform EVERYONE that the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel Messiah, the Christmas story, and the oracle in Isaiah 9 ARE in fact related. Enjoy the youtube video of Handel Messiah’s Hallelujah Chorus.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Adventures in Odyssey
This blog is about my adventures in Odyssey. Only I wasnt in Odyssey, I was in Thomasville. And that being said Odyssey has a lot more fun involved so this will probably be a semi-boring post.
So I havent written a blog in about a century and a half on here... but if you here you can find my school blog that I have been updating because it is a grade. Anyway, nothing really interesting has happened lately. I had fall break which was exciting to go home and see all my favorite people again. It pretty much made my day, or weekend whichever. I skipped class on Friday to go home a little earlier and got to hang out at the church for a bit. Then I had a BUNCH of errands to run so I did those then hung out at the house until I went and had an AMAZING steak dinner and smoked a cigar while catching up with my favorite Sunday School teachers.
Saturday was fun! I got to go up to App with the Kriegel family! We went and watched the band competition up there. Ledford v. East. Man how I want to see Ledford beat East overall just once before I die. It would make my entire life worth living.. only not really. But we had a good time just chillin and watching bands. Some good.. others not so much. I got home around midnight and finished watching the baseball game. GO RAYS! and then went to bed.
Sunday was super fun too! I got to see pretty much everyone in the whole wide world and then went and taught the 9th graders for Sunday School. They are fun! I like them a lot! After an afternoon of hanging out with my Dad on his 54th birthday I went to take Grace back to Carolina and then came back and hung out with the Beavers and the Bryants. They all make me happy!
Monday hmmm. boring. I played disc golf. I am BAD! and after that I chilled at the house until Monday Night Football came on and went over to the Bryants to watch the game with Matt.
Tuesday was yet another boring day. I did laundry and homework and then I went to the church and hung out some more. And then waited until my Dad got home and I came back to school. Boring day I know.
Today Wednesday. I created my first budget... $200 is not a lot to work with. Needless to say I have $17.82 until November 15th! I am kinda excited to see how far I can make $17 go. It should be interesting! But other than that this has been a boring post.
So I havent written a blog in about a century and a half on here... but if you here you can find my school blog that I have been updating because it is a grade. Anyway, nothing really interesting has happened lately. I had fall break which was exciting to go home and see all my favorite people again. It pretty much made my day, or weekend whichever. I skipped class on Friday to go home a little earlier and got to hang out at the church for a bit. Then I had a BUNCH of errands to run so I did those then hung out at the house until I went and had an AMAZING steak dinner and smoked a cigar while catching up with my favorite Sunday School teachers.
Saturday was fun! I got to go up to App with the Kriegel family! We went and watched the band competition up there. Ledford v. East. Man how I want to see Ledford beat East overall just once before I die. It would make my entire life worth living.. only not really. But we had a good time just chillin and watching bands. Some good.. others not so much. I got home around midnight and finished watching the baseball game. GO RAYS! and then went to bed.
Sunday was super fun too! I got to see pretty much everyone in the whole wide world and then went and taught the 9th graders for Sunday School. They are fun! I like them a lot! After an afternoon of hanging out with my Dad on his 54th birthday I went to take Grace back to Carolina and then came back and hung out with the Beavers and the Bryants. They all make me happy!
Monday hmmm. boring. I played disc golf. I am BAD! and after that I chilled at the house until Monday Night Football came on and went over to the Bryants to watch the game with Matt.
Tuesday was yet another boring day. I did laundry and homework and then I went to the church and hung out some more. And then waited until my Dad got home and I came back to school. Boring day I know.
Today Wednesday. I created my first budget... $200 is not a lot to work with. Needless to say I have $17.82 until November 15th! I am kinda excited to see how far I can make $17 go. It should be interesting! But other than that this has been a boring post.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Dearest Aunt Elaine.
Movement. I cannot imagine life without movement. I sit; I stand at Aunt Elaine's visitation. I move around. I pace in wonderment. My mind wanders from conversation to conversation; memory to memory. She lies motionless. No thoughts. No breathing. Her hands stay in the same spot. Her face with the same expression. I cannot comprehend this motionless life.
I smile at wonderful memories. I cry because I miss her. She lies motionless. No thoughts. No breathing. No emotions. Her hands in the same spot. Her face with the same expression. I cannot comprehend this motionless life.
I grow. I change. I get bigger. I get smarter. She lies motionless. No thoughts. No breathing. No emotions. No change. Her hands stay in the same spot. Her face with the same expression. I cannot comprehend this motionless life.
Life was meant to move. To think. To breathe. To have emotion. To change, good and bad. Forward and backward. Up and down.
The lack of motion explains life. The lack of motion explains the hardships. Because without those times, there would be nothing. No motion. No thoughts. No breathing. No emotions. No change.
Life is based off of comparison and contrast. Motion. We need motion to know lack of motion. We need life to know lack of life.
How do we know if we are truly alive in Christ? Motion. We will have good times. We will struggle. There will be times of great joy. Times of great sorrow. This contrast tells us we are alive in Him. He is there. He is there when we succeed. He is there when we fall. Only when we realize the life needs motion will we be completely incomplete.
Movement. I can imagine this life without movement. I sit; I stand at Aunt Elaine's visitation. I move around. I pace in wonderment. My mind wanders from conversation to conversation; memory to memory. I lie motionless. No thoughts. No breathing. My hands stay in the same spot. My face with the same expression. I can comprehend this motionless life.
Aunt Elaine. I write this for you. And you alone. I miss your sweet spirit. I miss your beautiful smile. I kept looking over at you expecting you to move. The environment was one you thrive in. I kept expecting to turn around and you be standing there. Dancing. Singing. Talking. I just wanted to see you one last time. Thriving. Not motionless. Aunt Elaine, I miss the baseball games, football games, and different experiences. You have touched so many more people than just myself. I know you are watching over me in Heaven. I know you and your sweet, loving self are rejoicing and you are pain free. Thank you for all the ways you have kept my life full of movement. Aunt Elaine, I love you and miss you terribly!
I smile at wonderful memories. I cry because I miss her. She lies motionless. No thoughts. No breathing. No emotions. Her hands in the same spot. Her face with the same expression. I cannot comprehend this motionless life.
I grow. I change. I get bigger. I get smarter. She lies motionless. No thoughts. No breathing. No emotions. No change. Her hands stay in the same spot. Her face with the same expression. I cannot comprehend this motionless life.
Life was meant to move. To think. To breathe. To have emotion. To change, good and bad. Forward and backward. Up and down.
The lack of motion explains life. The lack of motion explains the hardships. Because without those times, there would be nothing. No motion. No thoughts. No breathing. No emotions. No change.
Life is based off of comparison and contrast. Motion. We need motion to know lack of motion. We need life to know lack of life.
How do we know if we are truly alive in Christ? Motion. We will have good times. We will struggle. There will be times of great joy. Times of great sorrow. This contrast tells us we are alive in Him. He is there. He is there when we succeed. He is there when we fall. Only when we realize the life needs motion will we be completely incomplete.
Movement. I can imagine this life without movement. I sit; I stand at Aunt Elaine's visitation. I move around. I pace in wonderment. My mind wanders from conversation to conversation; memory to memory. I lie motionless. No thoughts. No breathing. My hands stay in the same spot. My face with the same expression. I can comprehend this motionless life.
Aunt Elaine. I write this for you. And you alone. I miss your sweet spirit. I miss your beautiful smile. I kept looking over at you expecting you to move. The environment was one you thrive in. I kept expecting to turn around and you be standing there. Dancing. Singing. Talking. I just wanted to see you one last time. Thriving. Not motionless. Aunt Elaine, I miss the baseball games, football games, and different experiences. You have touched so many more people than just myself. I know you are watching over me in Heaven. I know you and your sweet, loving self are rejoicing and you are pain free. Thank you for all the ways you have kept my life full of movement. Aunt Elaine, I love you and miss you terribly!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Crushed
Everyone has heard the saying, "when it rains, it pours." My friends, I cannot tell you how very true this is. During these times, you get little nuggets of goodness. Then, all hell breaks loose and the rain comes crashing back in on top of you. There is nothing you can do. You sit there helpless. Like a duck or dear about to be shot. It has to be one of the worst feelings possible. To see the light at the end of the tunnel, then have it collapse away like it was never there. You are in the dark. No where to go. Nothing to do. Trapped in the dark sea. Cornered like a rabbit. What to do? Run? Where would you run? Hide? Hiding is to lonely. WHAT DO YOU DO? Call on the Lord? That is the answer I know to be true. But why doesn't He answer? Why can I not know where to look? or what to do? WHAT DO I DO? WHERE DO I GO? No one is there! No one is searching! There is no one to help! Where is the One who has been there the rest of the time? Why did He go away? Why will He not help me? My friends when it rains it pours.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
just an update
So it has been a while since I have been able to make a post. Life around Gardner-Webb is going quite well. I have been VERY busy between studying, working, class, and having some what of a social life. I have been introduced to a new and very fun game called ladder golf. Ladder golf consists of a PVC ladder about 3 feet tall with a base about 3 feet long. The object of the game is to throw two rubber balls joined by a string and get them to wrap around one of the three rungs on the ladder. It has been a TON of fun to play with some of my hall mates.
My FOCUS group is quite awesome. I love hanging out with them. They are not quite family yet but I am sure it will eventually turn out that way. Along with my FOCUS group, I have joined a group of about 10 guys that meet every Monday night for a small group. These guys are all from my hall and it seems pretty open which I like a lot. We have had a bunch of good discussion lately and I love the fact that I have a couple of guys that I can open up to.
I started my work study last week which has to be the best job I have ever had, at least so far. I am an intramural referee. So far it has just been volleyball which is SUPER easy, but next week I start with flag football. I will also be doing basketball and softball in the spring along with soccer I believe. So I am pretty excited about that.
School has been going well. I had my first essay due on Monday which I am pretty excited about getting back. After my professor read my rough draft, she offered me an application to attend a writing workshop by Thomas Payne. I will have to apply to get one of the spots but it would be pretty neat to go meet and learn from an internationally renown writer.
This weekend I am heading up to Chapel Hill to see Grace and Jenny and hang out with them for the weekend which I am super excited about. I am going to the Virginia Tech v. UNC game on Saturday which makes me really happy. Other than that I am just hanging out doing really well.
My FOCUS group is quite awesome. I love hanging out with them. They are not quite family yet but I am sure it will eventually turn out that way. Along with my FOCUS group, I have joined a group of about 10 guys that meet every Monday night for a small group. These guys are all from my hall and it seems pretty open which I like a lot. We have had a bunch of good discussion lately and I love the fact that I have a couple of guys that I can open up to.
I started my work study last week which has to be the best job I have ever had, at least so far. I am an intramural referee. So far it has just been volleyball which is SUPER easy, but next week I start with flag football. I will also be doing basketball and softball in the spring along with soccer I believe. So I am pretty excited about that.
School has been going well. I had my first essay due on Monday which I am pretty excited about getting back. After my professor read my rough draft, she offered me an application to attend a writing workshop by Thomas Payne. I will have to apply to get one of the spots but it would be pretty neat to go meet and learn from an internationally renown writer.
This weekend I am heading up to Chapel Hill to see Grace and Jenny and hang out with them for the weekend which I am super excited about. I am going to the Virginia Tech v. UNC game on Saturday which makes me really happy. Other than that I am just hanging out doing really well.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Listen
SO, how many times have you been a part of something HUGE. Something that a lot of people came to? For example, a professional sporting event. We often sit there and watch in amazement at how much better other people are at playing games than we are. We sit in amazement because we are in the same building as these men and women who make millions of dollars for playing a game.
One example I have is the summer of 2008. My buddy Ryan and I drove up to Cooperstown, New York in one night. It was July 29th to be exact. We had made arrangements to drive up there to watch Cal Ripken Jr., our favorite baseball player, get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. We got up there and there were 66,000 people that had all crammed into the tiny town of Cooperstown. There were record setting number there. The most people ever to go to an induction ceremony, and also the most returning Hall of Famers came back. Being a baseball fanatic, I got chill bumps when I heard the name of these guys just because I was in the presence of them.
This past weekend I got to go on a retreat and while we were singing some songs I found myself just listening and getting the same chill bumps I got when I was in the presence of those baseball players. I was amazed that I could get that chill bump feeling with out singing. I thought what is up with that? The more I thought about it the more I came up with an answer, or somewhat of an answer.
When I was standing there in awe of listening to people sing praise to our God, I looked around and saw 150 college students passionately in love with the one and only Savior. By not singing, I had created my own spectator position. As I watched, God's indescribable love completely humbled me, much like watching in awe of those professional athletes. I was completely and totally humbled to know that the Creator of the Universe has taken the time to invest in my life.
I know it is a simple statement, but is it not AMAZING to think about that. No matter where we are, God has invested time into putting us there and getting us there mentally, physically, and spiritually. So, next time you're in a worship service try just listening to everyone else sing see if it humbles you the same way it did me. I think you will be surprised at how you feel afterward.
One example I have is the summer of 2008. My buddy Ryan and I drove up to Cooperstown, New York in one night. It was July 29th to be exact. We had made arrangements to drive up there to watch Cal Ripken Jr., our favorite baseball player, get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. We got up there and there were 66,000 people that had all crammed into the tiny town of Cooperstown. There were record setting number there. The most people ever to go to an induction ceremony, and also the most returning Hall of Famers came back. Being a baseball fanatic, I got chill bumps when I heard the name of these guys just because I was in the presence of them.
This past weekend I got to go on a retreat and while we were singing some songs I found myself just listening and getting the same chill bumps I got when I was in the presence of those baseball players. I was amazed that I could get that chill bump feeling with out singing. I thought what is up with that? The more I thought about it the more I came up with an answer, or somewhat of an answer.
When I was standing there in awe of listening to people sing praise to our God, I looked around and saw 150 college students passionately in love with the one and only Savior. By not singing, I had created my own spectator position. As I watched, God's indescribable love completely humbled me, much like watching in awe of those professional athletes. I was completely and totally humbled to know that the Creator of the Universe has taken the time to invest in my life.
I know it is a simple statement, but is it not AMAZING to think about that. No matter where we are, God has invested time into putting us there and getting us there mentally, physically, and spiritually. So, next time you're in a worship service try just listening to everyone else sing see if it humbles you the same way it did me. I think you will be surprised at how you feel afterward.
Monday, September 1, 2008
For such a time as this
I recently went on a mission trip to Romania. A group of 9 recent high school graduates from my Sunday School class went. I cannot tell you enough how much God blessed me through that trip. He humbled me, taught me, and even called me. I loved it there. I did not want to come home. However, I had to due to the whole school situation. So I talked to the missionary there about possibly interning next summer. There may be a possible opportunity for me to serve there next summer for two months!
Anyways, we got back around midnight on a Sunday night, and due to the jet-lag I was not conscious until about Wednesday, which is interesting. Wednesday night I went to youth and one of the youth leaders was talking about Esther. I had not really learned or, to be more specific, cared about the book of Esther. Needless to say my favorite book of the Bible is now Esther.
Esther was in a weird position. She was a Jew, unknown to the king, and married to him. At this point in time the king was disgusted with the Jews due to a recent event that took place. He ordered that all the Jews in his province be killed. See the problem? Yeah, the king was going to annihilate her entire family and people. Her father figure, Mordecai, asked Esther to go into the kings inner courts to talk with the king about his decision. Now, that does not seem like a huge deal; however, at that time if anyone was to enter into the kings court with out permission he or she was to be killed. Esther did just that. She went into the kings court and asked the king if he would go to a banquet (lunch). He agreed and went to lunch with Esther and Haman. And to make a long story short, the king agrees to stop killing off the Jews.
The point at which this verse, Esther 4:14, comes is crucial. She was called to do something - save the Jews. However, if she did not act when she did, the relief would have come just not through her and at that time. This shows me a perfect example of being a servant. Even though the task endangered her life, she followed through with what the Lord said to do.
I think of it like this, we often see people pulled off to the side of the road with car problems. We have the choice to stop and help, even though it will be taken care of eventually. See, to me, this passage is not about the Jews and what happened to them and their relief. This passage is about serving the Lord when he calls you. We have so many opportunities to serve on a daily basis and most of the time we pass them up because we are afraid of what will happen to us. Why not help out for just such a time as this?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Probability?
Before I dig in, I want to explain my terminology. I am using want and desire interchangeably. For this purpose, and for any purpose really, them mean the same thing. Want is an easier word to grasp than desire for most people. Desire is a stronger version of want. When we want, or desire, something we normally take advantage of the resources we have to get that thing or whatever. So as you read keep this concept in mind.
When I find a rare baseball card I am very excited. We were in Baltimore for my cousins wedding this summer and we were going to be a little bit early so my family decided to stop at a strip mall. In this strip mall there was a card/collectible store. Me being me, went in to see what was there. I saw the single most beautiful baseball card in my life that day. It was a Ty Cobb 1908 Tobacco card. There are only 9 of them left in the world and most of them are not in full pieces. This one was. It was $1700. I wanted that card SOO bad because I wanted to be a part of something rare.
Today, I was sitting in my math class and we were going over different formulas (I got them today) and my professor asked how many possible answers there were for that formula. My class unanimously said there were two or three possible answers. We were wrong. There were an infinite amount of answers. Just the same as on a number line. The amount of numbers between seemingly the smallest number - 0 and 1 - are infinite. That amazed me.
According to the International Database - U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the world is 6,719,816,902. And we are one of those 6.7 billion people. Wow! We are 1 in 6.7 billion. That is just living people. That does not include the billions of people that have lived before us. And not one of looks(ed) exactly alike or have the exact same story. However, we seem to look at life as if the probability of us being in that situation is 1 to 1. We are guaranteed to be in that situation. A selfish life. We look at life as if there is nothing abnormal about where we are. The more I have examined this, I have found that there are an infinite number of decisions, variables, and circumstances that have determined where we are today. Our circumstances are not probable in any way. But, are they something to desire, good or bad?
What about Nehemiah? Nehemiah was appointed the royal cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes I. He was doing very well. He had everything going for him and all of these things led him to take advantage of his improbable circumstances. His high ranking with the King allowed him to be able to go and rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Despite all of the opposition to the project, He completed his task in record time with the help of the Lord.
Look at David and Goliath for a minute. David, who was small, young, and definitely not a warrior, asked Saul - the king - if he could go fight Goliath. King Saul replied "There is no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of was since his youth." (1 Samuel 17:32). For whatever reason, Saul decided to let him fight Goliath. All the cards were stacked against David in this case. There were infinite reasons as to why David should not win this battle. However, he took advantage of the improbable circumstances he was in. He did the best he could and came out on top. Against all odds.
People, in general, are selfish with the time and circumstances we have. We take them for granted. We want to feel bad for ourselves. We want to wallow in self pity when things do not go our way. Or, we want to praise ourselves when we do something awesome. But, could we not use those circumstances, good and bad, praise and pity, to do and say awesome things about the One we serve? So are we taking advantage of the infinite opportunities and circumstances around us to live out our relationship with Jesus?
When I find a rare baseball card I am very excited. We were in Baltimore for my cousins wedding this summer and we were going to be a little bit early so my family decided to stop at a strip mall. In this strip mall there was a card/collectible store. Me being me, went in to see what was there. I saw the single most beautiful baseball card in my life that day. It was a Ty Cobb 1908 Tobacco card. There are only 9 of them left in the world and most of them are not in full pieces. This one was. It was $1700. I wanted that card SOO bad because I wanted to be a part of something rare.
Today, I was sitting in my math class and we were going over different formulas (I got them today) and my professor asked how many possible answers there were for that formula. My class unanimously said there were two or three possible answers. We were wrong. There were an infinite amount of answers. Just the same as on a number line. The amount of numbers between seemingly the smallest number - 0 and 1 - are infinite. That amazed me.
According to the International Database - U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the world is 6,719,816,902. And we are one of those 6.7 billion people. Wow! We are 1 in 6.7 billion. That is just living people. That does not include the billions of people that have lived before us. And not one of looks(ed) exactly alike or have the exact same story. However, we seem to look at life as if the probability of us being in that situation is 1 to 1. We are guaranteed to be in that situation. A selfish life. We look at life as if there is nothing abnormal about where we are. The more I have examined this, I have found that there are an infinite number of decisions, variables, and circumstances that have determined where we are today. Our circumstances are not probable in any way. But, are they something to desire, good or bad?
What about Nehemiah? Nehemiah was appointed the royal cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes I. He was doing very well. He had everything going for him and all of these things led him to take advantage of his improbable circumstances. His high ranking with the King allowed him to be able to go and rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Despite all of the opposition to the project, He completed his task in record time with the help of the Lord.
Look at David and Goliath for a minute. David, who was small, young, and definitely not a warrior, asked Saul - the king - if he could go fight Goliath. King Saul replied "There is no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of was since his youth." (1 Samuel 17:32). For whatever reason, Saul decided to let him fight Goliath. All the cards were stacked against David in this case. There were infinite reasons as to why David should not win this battle. However, he took advantage of the improbable circumstances he was in. He did the best he could and came out on top. Against all odds.
People, in general, are selfish with the time and circumstances we have. We take them for granted. We want to feel bad for ourselves. We want to wallow in self pity when things do not go our way. Or, we want to praise ourselves when we do something awesome. But, could we not use those circumstances, good and bad, praise and pity, to do and say awesome things about the One we serve? So are we taking advantage of the infinite opportunities and circumstances around us to live out our relationship with Jesus?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Math = Satan
I was in precalculus today. Mistake number 1. My mind does not function with numbers. (no pun intended for those who know what I am talking about). While I was trying to pay attention, I came up with a song, or rather a cheer. It goes a little like this
Now here is the reason I hate precal. Not only did I have it last semester and barely pass but I got stuck in it again. In college. This time its HARDER. My teacher gave me notes today that looked like this
If ANYONE knows what that means, please comment explaining this because I am thoroughly confuzzled. And yes I do have HW on it. I dont even know what that means much less know how to use it. Anyway, I have to go study now, maybe take a few greek lessons online to try to figure this out.
I hate precal yes I do!
I hate precal how bout you?
This brilliant song has been running through my mind since I got out of class.I hate precal how bout you?
Now here is the reason I hate precal. Not only did I have it last semester and barely pass but I got stuck in it again. In college. This time its HARDER. My teacher gave me notes today that looked like this
"xeAnBiff xeA or xeB"
If ANYONE knows what that means, please comment explaining this because I am thoroughly confuzzled. And yes I do have HW on it. I dont even know what that means much less know how to use it. Anyway, I have to go study now, maybe take a few greek lessons online to try to figure this out.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Homesick
So the other night I was missing home really, really bad. Trevor had left the room and I was sitting here at my computer desperately looking for someone to talk to. Grace was on Skype so I started talking to her for a while. At one point about 10:15 I got no answer from GK in the middle of a conversation so I just thought her internet was down. I sent her a text message to find out what was going on, only to find out that she was with Jenny learning about haunted buildings at Carolina. By this point, I was completely missing home. I did not want to be here at all I just wanted to be home with everyone I already knew. I felt like dirt. I turned the lights out and laid down in my bed and began thinking of all the memories from back home. I remembered hanging out at the Beavers with Grace eating Popsicles. I remembered all of the good times when Jenny and Grace and Laura would show up at Monkeez Brew to keep me company. I remembered watching teenage mutant ninja turtles with Matt. All of these things made me miss home even more. I was in my own little pity party. I wanted nothing but to pout and complain to someone. Those feelings of loneliness had set in once again. I laid in bed and went to sleep. Woke up the next morning and everything was great.
Grace, Jenny, Matt, and countless other people have made huge contributions to the way I have prioritized my life. Some things I have taken others I haven't. God has blessed me with these people to help prepare me and help me along the way. They are the ones I go to first when I am struggling with whatever it may be. I cannot express enough thanks to these people because I would not be able to make it through without remembering all the Godly advice I have received from each of them. They absolutely mean the world to me.
Grace made me write this blog and I had to have three key words in there. Along with an underlying theme.
This is for Grace. 6/28/05
Hey Alphabet!
Wow.. it seems like it's been forever since I first met you! So many memories! It's hard to believe it's only been about a year or so.. Thank you for always being there to make me smile.. You've taught me so many lessons without even knowing it! But then again... you are pretty clueless.. just kidding...
I cannot tell you how true every bit of this is for me as well. Only now its been about 5 years. GK you are the best friend a person could ever ask for.
Grace, Jenny, Matt, and countless other people have made huge contributions to the way I have prioritized my life. Some things I have taken others I haven't. God has blessed me with these people to help prepare me and help me along the way. They are the ones I go to first when I am struggling with whatever it may be. I cannot express enough thanks to these people because I would not be able to make it through without remembering all the Godly advice I have received from each of them. They absolutely mean the world to me.
Grace made me write this blog and I had to have three key words in there. Along with an underlying theme.
This is for Grace. 6/28/05
Hey Alphabet!
Wow.. it seems like it's been forever since I first met you! So many memories! It's hard to believe it's only been about a year or so.. Thank you for always being there to make me smile.. You've taught me so many lessons without even knowing it! But then again... you are pretty clueless.. just kidding...
I cannot tell you how true every bit of this is for me as well. Only now its been about 5 years. GK you are the best friend a person could ever ask for.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Romania!!!
So yesterday I had my first day of classes. It was pretty fun. I got out of most of them early. It was quite nice. It is so much fun being able to meet and talk to new people. I was in my last class of the day, Composition 1, and there just happens to be a girl from - you guessed it - Romania. I did not get a chance to talk to her because she needed to talk to my professor after class but I really hope that she can teach me Romanian. I am SUPER excited about that. I found a group of guys that play ultimate everyday at 4. Rain or shine. So no one try to get in touch with me between 4 and 5. Just kidding. There was an alumni that came back and played yesterday. He is AWESOME. He taught me a lot about the game of frisbee and said I am improving by the point. Anyway, I went up to the post office and got my first letter. It was from Grace. I just about leaped through the ceiling I was so happy! I cannot tell you all how much I miss her. Yes I hear the "awwwwww how sweet" coming my way but its the truth. I miss her like crazy.
I went to dinner which was pretty not exciting. I got back to my dorm and read the card and talked to GK. Johnny came by, he's my RA, and invited me to go play some volleyball. Since I already smelled like I had been thrown in a dumpster, mixed in dog poo, and took a bath in skunk spray, I said sure let me go sweat a little more. It was a blast but I found out very quickly that I am not good at volleyball. I am actually quite terrible. But that is ok, I had fun anyway. I had a meeting about our lip sync contest and we are going to kick some butt. I cannot disclose any information at the time being that my mission is top secret to ensure maximum butt kickage. On my way back Trevor asked if I wanted to go play some melon ball. It is a very fun game with a combination of tennis and volleyball.
This morning (Thursday) I had my Old Testament class at 8. I didnt think it would be too bad because that is what time school usually started. I was wrong. Terribly wrong. I rolled out of bed 15 minutes before I was supposed to be at class. What a way to start off. My hair was a mess so I just put on a hat because there were a lot of people who wore hats in class. Once again, a mistake. I was the only one with a hat on. Dr. Womcak went on a tangent about how men are not supposed wear hats in the presence of women or indoors. I felt like a MORON. But after we took our pretest, class was over and I went up and apologized to him. He was fine with it for today because I did not know. I really enjoy that class.
Precal on the other hand, well I just plan on shooting myself in the toe. I get the easy stuff and I was more involved in class today than I have any other math class. But seriously, over 100 problems for homework. Yea you can forget that crap. That just makes me hate math even more!
Thats about all for right now!
I went to dinner which was pretty not exciting. I got back to my dorm and read the card and talked to GK. Johnny came by, he's my RA, and invited me to go play some volleyball. Since I already smelled like I had been thrown in a dumpster, mixed in dog poo, and took a bath in skunk spray, I said sure let me go sweat a little more. It was a blast but I found out very quickly that I am not good at volleyball. I am actually quite terrible. But that is ok, I had fun anyway. I had a meeting about our lip sync contest and we are going to kick some butt. I cannot disclose any information at the time being that my mission is top secret to ensure maximum butt kickage. On my way back Trevor asked if I wanted to go play some melon ball. It is a very fun game with a combination of tennis and volleyball.
This morning (Thursday) I had my Old Testament class at 8. I didnt think it would be too bad because that is what time school usually started. I was wrong. Terribly wrong. I rolled out of bed 15 minutes before I was supposed to be at class. What a way to start off. My hair was a mess so I just put on a hat because there were a lot of people who wore hats in class. Once again, a mistake. I was the only one with a hat on. Dr. Womcak went on a tangent about how men are not supposed wear hats in the presence of women or indoors. I felt like a MORON. But after we took our pretest, class was over and I went up and apologized to him. He was fine with it for today because I did not know. I really enjoy that class.
Precal on the other hand, well I just plan on shooting myself in the toe. I get the easy stuff and I was more involved in class today than I have any other math class. But seriously, over 100 problems for homework. Yea you can forget that crap. That just makes me hate math even more!
Thats about all for right now!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Domination
Today was very interesting. It was much more laid back and it was great to have a day like this before classes start tomorrow at 9 for me.
We had our class voting for president and senators at 9 this morning which was really boring and a waste of my time but I went anyway because it was required. It took about an hour to get through everyone and once it was over, I went to the post office. This next part made my day. I got a package from a good friend back home. It was addressed to Dr. Kevin Kassakatis. This will be my last post about college. Due to the fact that I am now a doctor, I have decided to drop out. Mom, I know I just freaked you out and I am laughing really hard right now. But no seriously, I am not dropping out of school.
I went and ate lunch and then chilled out in my dorm until my buddy JP informed me that there was some Ultimate being played on the quad. I scurried just as fast as I could to the quad. Once I got there, we were one player short of having four on four. So James calls up this girl and due to the fact that it was shirts vs. skins she was on my team. Skins. Just kidding. I was on shirts. But anyway, it was JP, Hillary, and I on a team. We straight up dominated. We won 7-0 it was way to easy. So, I decided to go join a game with the upperclassmen on the intramural field at 8. They are WAY better. It was a ton more fun and a huge challenge. Apparently the upperclassmen took notice of me because they stuck the cross country star on me. Needless to say, I did not catch more than three more frisbees. I was sucking wind like crazy but it was SUPER fun!
Now I am back, I am probably going to go get a shower because I stink really bad. But I am really ready to start classes tomorrow.
We had our class voting for president and senators at 9 this morning which was really boring and a waste of my time but I went anyway because it was required. It took about an hour to get through everyone and once it was over, I went to the post office. This next part made my day. I got a package from a good friend back home. It was addressed to Dr. Kevin Kassakatis. This will be my last post about college. Due to the fact that I am now a doctor, I have decided to drop out. Mom, I know I just freaked you out and I am laughing really hard right now. But no seriously, I am not dropping out of school.
I went and ate lunch and then chilled out in my dorm until my buddy JP informed me that there was some Ultimate being played on the quad. I scurried just as fast as I could to the quad. Once I got there, we were one player short of having four on four. So James calls up this girl and due to the fact that it was shirts vs. skins she was on my team. Skins. Just kidding. I was on shirts. But anyway, it was JP, Hillary, and I on a team. We straight up dominated. We won 7-0 it was way to easy. So, I decided to go join a game with the upperclassmen on the intramural field at 8. They are WAY better. It was a ton more fun and a huge challenge. Apparently the upperclassmen took notice of me because they stuck the cross country star on me. Needless to say, I did not catch more than three more frisbees. I was sucking wind like crazy but it was SUPER fun!
Now I am back, I am probably going to go get a shower because I stink really bad. But I am really ready to start classes tomorrow.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Ultimate!
So today was about a million times better. I forced myself to go out and meet new people today. I found a bunch of guys that all like Ultimate Frisbee. We played out in the quad today around three. The frisbee here is intense, and I love it! We played to seven. We lost seven to six. But I did not really care. It was a great game. We were down four to one at one point and made a run to tie it at four before the other team scored twice and took the lead six to four. Me and my buddy JP were easily the only experienced players on my team and so we started to get serious and scored twice to tie it at six. INTENSE! JP made a great stop in the end zone to keep the other team from winning. He brought it up to the line and threw it to me. Me being the not clutch person that I am, dropped the frisbee and the other team ended up scoring the winning point. I can honestly say that I have not had that much fun in a long time. There was laughter and trash talk and most importantly sportsmanship. We did not care who won as long as we all had a good time. I really enjoyed myself. For those who know me well, you know that I do not like to lose and normally I would not have been very happy. I would have just walked off pretty angry. That was not the case this time. Something crazy had smacked me in the face. I realized that I am still me no matter who is around me. I like to have fun and so that is what I did.
Tonight after our "Thinkfast Game show" thing, I went out and threw the frisebee with some more people, we did not play Ultimate, but it was a great time to get to know some more people. I met a bunch of great guys and a girl from Roanoke, VA which was really neat. Trevor and Johnny came by around 9 and wanted to know if I wanted to go to Decker and watch Batman Begins with them and meet some new people. I definitely took up on that offer and met a bunch more awesome people.
I am learning that no matter where I am, I have to be myself. People are attracted to people that are genuine. If I am not genuine with them then how in the world will I ever connect with them? It is SO cool to see how God can change things in a heartbeat. I was expecting another day of nothing but meetings and sitting in my room on my computer. But no, I got up and met people. I had a GREAT time! I had the Ultimate time!
Tonight after our "Thinkfast Game show" thing, I went out and threw the frisebee with some more people, we did not play Ultimate, but it was a great time to get to know some more people. I met a bunch of great guys and a girl from Roanoke, VA which was really neat. Trevor and Johnny came by around 9 and wanted to know if I wanted to go to Decker and watch Batman Begins with them and meet some new people. I definitely took up on that offer and met a bunch more awesome people.
I am learning that no matter where I am, I have to be myself. People are attracted to people that are genuine. If I am not genuine with them then how in the world will I ever connect with them? It is SO cool to see how God can change things in a heartbeat. I was expecting another day of nothing but meetings and sitting in my room on my computer. But no, I got up and met people. I had a GREAT time! I had the Ultimate time!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Dr. Bonner
Well I went to the campus wide church this morning. It was interesting. The service lasted about 45 minutes and it was rather mediocre. The speaker was our President Dr. Bonner. He is super smart but the stuff he talked about really did not seem to apply to anything. Maybe I will figure it out later but I don't know.
On a different, more serious note, I am quickly learning that I do not handle change well at all. I completely shut down. Nothing I want to do happens. I think to much. I am so worried about what people think its ridiculous. I am so desperate to be in a one on one situation that forces me to get to know people. I know I will not do it if I am not forced, which is totally weird. Normally, I would go up and talk to anyone. I guess that is only when I am with people I know really well. I am way out of my comfort zone and I really want to know people. Loneliness gets really old really fast.
That is about it for today. I know its short but I do not really have much more to say.
On a different, more serious note, I am quickly learning that I do not handle change well at all. I completely shut down. Nothing I want to do happens. I think to much. I am so worried about what people think its ridiculous. I am so desperate to be in a one on one situation that forces me to get to know people. I know I will not do it if I am not forced, which is totally weird. Normally, I would go up and talk to anyone. I guess that is only when I am with people I know really well. I am way out of my comfort zone and I really want to know people. Loneliness gets really old really fast.
That is about it for today. I know its short but I do not really have much more to say.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
My room!
So I am sure you are all interested in how the move in process has gone down here at GW. Honestly, I have no complaints whatsoever. Actually, I just lied. I sat through meetings ALL day yesterday and was about to shoot myself. Other than that there were no complaints whatsoever. Naturally, I forgot some stuff at home like hangers, my tv and stand, a power strip, a chair, pretty much everything but my clothes and computer. (I'm smart I know). Thankfully my dad had to go back home for his paper route and he was able to bring all my stuff back today. It was VERY helpful. So, I finally got moved in and unpacked today. I love it here. My RA's are awesome. Trevor (my roommate) is SUPER excited that I am here. Yesterday when we were all checking in, I am told that he came up about every 15 minutes asking if I had checked in. So, I have a GREAT roommate. We get along really well.
The other RA, Johnny, is awesome as well. We watched Hot Rod in his room this evening. It is a HILARIOUS movie I might add. Another guy I met from my hall, Jesse, is very cool as well. So tonight around 9 the three of us made a walmart run. We had a grand time telling stories, jokes, just being guys. So, that is my first official college story. Now for some pictures of my room.
This is my refrigerator, microwave, a chair, part of the door, and Trevors closet.
Thats it. Boring picture I know.
These are our beds in case you couldn't tell. Trevor is up top. I'm down low.
It doesn't work so well for my head when waking up.
My desk is on the left. I have my nice little setup. The tv is in the middle for our enjoyment.
Trevor is not a picture person so he agreed to let me get him in action. He is on the right.
I just got you all. I don't care what you say I am punching you when I get home. HAHAHA just kidding. So thats about all for the first few days of college life. There will be much more to come.
The other RA, Johnny, is awesome as well. We watched Hot Rod in his room this evening. It is a HILARIOUS movie I might add. Another guy I met from my hall, Jesse, is very cool as well. So tonight around 9 the three of us made a walmart run. We had a grand time telling stories, jokes, just being guys. So, that is my first official college story. Now for some pictures of my room.
This is my refrigerator, microwave, a chair, part of the door, and Trevors closet.Thats it. Boring picture I know.
These are our beds in case you couldn't tell. Trevor is up top. I'm down low.It doesn't work so well for my head when waking up.
My dresser and gobs of food are on the far left. Trevor's stuff is in the middle.
It concludes with his microwave and fridge. Yes the picture is crooked. Sue me.
It concludes with his microwave and fridge. Yes the picture is crooked. Sue me.
My desk is on the left. I have my nice little setup. The tv is in the middle for our enjoyment.Trevor is not a picture person so he agreed to let me get him in action. He is on the right.
And for those of you who read this and play the game, I just got you.
I am going to punch you next time I see you. HAHAHA
I am going to punch you next time I see you. HAHAHA
I just got you all. I don't care what you say I am punching you when I get home. HAHAHA just kidding. So thats about all for the first few days of college life. There will be much more to come.Romanian Mudsliding!
So this is a very not serious blog at all. In fact there is not even a point to this blog. I could keep rambling about how this blog has no point, but why would I ramble about something that has no point? I dont like to do that. This video came from the ever famous GRACE while we were in Romania when a few not-so-smart guys decided to be guys. I dont care what others thought, and I know the fellow guys involved in this act would say the same thing. It was a BLAST! Well apparently my computer does not like this video and is refusing to upload it which is super gay. So instead I will post some pictures of the after math of our destructive behavior.
This is us. Minus JJ, we all went and got really dirty!
This has to be the ultimate friends picture I have ever seen and these guys are AMAZING!
This has to be the ultimate friends picture I have ever seen and these guys are AMAZING!
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